submitted by Carol Cillo
Our second year into combining the creative efforts of visual artists and poets produced a wonderful evening for viewing the results of those creative passions. Once again, artists provided images to poets to write a new poem, and poets provided poems to artists to create a new piece of visual art. Both were exhibited together so everyone could see the impressions each derived from those inspirations.
Many poems were read, and some artists were willing to explain their own process and the emotion involved in creation of their art works. More of an open forum for discussion, we soon found out that our next efforts will have to allow for inclusion of all artists and poets to express the “how” and “why” of the final products produced.
We had a few poets and artists who found each other’s work inspiring enough to continue working together, evolving into published works and creative connections: Photographer and board member Karen Elias along with LHU professor, Marjorie Maddox Hafer displayed several pieces together, including copies of Marjorie’s book, Transplant, Transport, Transubstantiation. Poet Jared Conti shared his writing expertise again with visual artist, Sarah Smeltz.
We had some new entries, and repeat exhibitors to fill the room with creative energy!
We were all engaged in listening to the inspired readings by the poets…
Artist Rita Bower created this multi media piece from a poem by Tiffany Bernard “Letter from My Father”
work by artist, Tommy Greico inspired a poem by Jared Conti.
artist Dave Becker enjoying work by Karen Elias
Those who do work in Williamsport at the Pajama Factory were some of the exhibiting artists and are also there to support their artistic peers and friends! It is wonderful to pull together our nearby communities in order to celebrate the arts. All are standing in front of Tommy Grieco’s piece, ‘Blue”…he is pictured in front.
Conversation and explanation made the evening very inspiring… Jared Conti, co-curator (shown at left) helped to bring together an exciting evening of poets and poetry along with the CCAC art exhibit at the Station Gallery.